Major Blunder at Oil Strategy Event
Former President Donald Trump made a notable error during a White House press briefing on Friday, January 9, 2026, when he accidentally read a private note out loud. The moment embarrassed his team and quickly went viral online.
Trump was addressing reporters and oil industry executives about Venezuela’s massive proven oil reserves and U.S. plans following the recent capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
Private Message Mistakenly Shared
At one point during the event, Secretary of State Marco Rubio discreetly slid Trump a handwritten note meant only for the president’s eyes. Instead of keeping it private, Trump picked it up and read it aloud in front of the cameras and assembled press.
Starting with, “Marco just gave me a note,” Trump went on to read the message: “Go back to Chevron. They want to discuss something.” He then told the group, “Go ahead, I’m going back to Chevron. Thank you, Marco.”
The note referred to Chevron, a major U.S. oil company with ongoing operations in Venezuela and part of broader discussions with the administration about potential investment in Venezuelan oil infrastructure.
Awkward Reaction and Aftermath
Rubio’s expression suggested discomfort at the public disclosure. Trump even patted him on the back afterward, laughing as he tried to smooth over the moment.
Video clips of the exchange quickly circulated online, with critics and commentators alike mocking the gaffe. Some social media users labeled the mistake as a sign of confusion, while others focused on the unexpected nature of the incident.
Background Context
The slip occurred amid a broader discussion at the White House roundtable with executives from major oil companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. The meeting was part of the administration’s effort to persuade private investors to help rebuild and expand Venezuelan oil production after Maduro’s removal from power.
Though the note was simple and did not reveal sensitive policy guidance, the public reading of a private message nonetheless drew attention and sparked debate over messaging discipline and command of the briefing room by Trump’s team.